Founder's Code 2026 | 24-HOUR HACKATHON
Collaborate. Build. Pitch. Win.
About the Challenge
Founder's Code : 24-Hour Hackathon
This is a 24-hour AI hackathon built to take your ideas beyond the code. Tackle a real-world challenge, build an AI-powered solution, and turn it into something people would actually want to use. Build fast. Think smart. Understand your user. Shape your product. Find your market. Sell your idea. Because the real challenge isn’t just “Can you build it?” It’s “Can you make it work in the real world?” 24 hours. One team. One product. One opportunity to build, pitch, and win.
This isn't just a coding hackathon.
This isn't just a coding hackathon. Half the room is shipping product, the other half is closing a customer — and every team is graded on both.
Build the Product
Working prototype, code checkpoints, tech reviews, and a live demo. No slideware — it has to run.
Build the Company
Pitch an investor. Pitch an incubator. Pitch a government panel. Then go land an actual first customer.
Prove It Works
Tech Score and Business Score are tracked separately. Ace one and bomb the other, and you're still out.
Video Explanation
Watch the walkthrough before you pick a pass — understand what “Tech + Business” actually means on the ground.
Video Explanation Coming Soon
The walkthrough video is being finalized by the organizers.
One clock. Five checkpoints.
You don't need to stress over the whole tournament at once — just clear the next milestone.
Choose Pass
Pick Tech, Business, or Day Pass. Join solo or as a squad.
Clear Prelims
Get your domain topic, build your prototype/doc, submit online.
Get Shortlisted
Jury evaluates submissions. Shortlisted finalists lock seats.
24-Hr Arena
Hot topic drops. Parallel Tech Battle and Business Battle commence.
Final Showdown
Survivors demo both sides live. Highest combined score wins.
Three ways in.
Pick the lane that matches your strengths. Tech and Business both lead to the Main Event.
Tech Pass
Direct Paid EntryTECH PASS is an all-access pass designed for participants who want to explore and participate in a range of technical events and challenges.
Roadmap to Finals (2 Stages):
Preliminary Round
coding · Online
Round 2: Main Event - 24 Hrs Hackathon
coding · Offline
Payable after 1st round selection
Biz Pass
Direct Paid EntryBIZ PASS is an all-access pass designed for participants who want to explore and participate in a range of business and entrepreneurship events and challenges.
Roadmap to Finals (2 Stages):
Preliminary Round
submission · Online
Round 2: Main Event - Build the Product
submission · Offline
Payable after 1st round selection
Tech + Biz Pass
Direct Paid EntryParticipate in both the Hackathon and Business challenges, showcase your skills and ideas, and qualify for the main event.
Roadmap to Finals (2 Stages):
Preliminary Round
coding · Online
Round 2: Main Event - 24 Hrs Hackathon
coding · Offline
Payable after 1st round selection
Applied for Tech but also want to compete in Business (or vice-versa)? You can attempt both tracks — you just need to independently clear each track's prelim benchmark.
Day Pass
Designed for individual non-competitive attendees, campus visitors, and squads disqualified from Prelims/Battles. Grants continuous full-day access to employability masterclasses, proctored PET tests, and direct campus hiring drive interviews.
Every session below normally requires individual registration fees — Day Pass holders get all value unlocks included.
On-Spot PET Test
Placement Employability Test benchmarking aptitude, communication and role-fit with instant scorecards.
Placement Training
3 guided on-spot masterclass slots to sharpen technical problem solving, resume storytelling, and interview defense.
Campus Hiring Drive
Walk into direct on-campus recruitment booths hiring for full time / internship roles.
Career Guidance Lab
Career Guidance workshop with industry mentors to audit your GitHub, resume, and role alignment.
Complete all Day Pass tracks to receive an official ProSculpt Verified Employability Certificate.
Survive both battles. Then prove it on stage.
Two demos. One panel. No hiding a weak half.
Finalists present both sides of their venture back to back — the live technical demonstration and the commercial model — to the same grand jury.
The highest aggregate score across both disciplines takes the crown. In Founder Mode, you cannot coast on code or slides alone.
₹50,000
₹15,000
₹25,000
₹10,000
+ Pre-Placement Interviews (PPIs), incubation access & venture grants with partners.
Only shortlisted teams make the Main Event. Everything starts with the prelim.
Choose your pass, lock in your team, and receive your problem statement.